South Florida Girl Battling Cancer Gets Warm Welcome At MIA
MIAMI (CBS4) - It was a homecoming fit for a hero.
Bella Rodriguez-Torres, 10, arrived home in Miami Friday night after spending six weeks receiving intensive cancer treatment in Houston.
Police waited for her with signs and balloons and cheered as she entered Miami International Airport.
"It was very overwhelming but very heartwarming and we're very humbled and blessed," said Bella's mom Shannah Rodriguez-Torres.
Bella has spent more than half her life in a grueling battle against an aggressive form of cancer. Diagnosed at age four with rhabdomyosarcoma, she's been through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Through it all her smile and her generosity inspire those who know her and those who simply hear her story.
"She's a remarkable little girl she's probably the most courageous person I've ever met," said Officer Kenia Reyes of the Miami Police Department. Miami Police officers waited at the airport for Bella to arrive and cheered as she came through the door. Bella loves law enforcement and before she left for Texas, Miami Police made Bella Chief for a Day. They also gave her a Miami Police cap and T-shirts.
In Houston, Bella underwent a 16 hour surgery to remove her uterus and ovaries, reconstruct an artery, and place hot chemotherapy directly into her abdomen.
"The scan unfortunately was worse than what they thought. Her entire pelvis was full of cancer," explained her mom Shannah Rodriguez-Torres who said the intensive treatment was her only option.
Now those who know Bella and friends she met along the way are praying for her recovery and are happy to have her home.
"It's remarkable to see she's full of life she's doing great and Chief Bella is back," said Officer Reyes.
